Although the issue causing the shutdown of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has been diagnosed, a reopening date has still not been set as of Monday, Aug. 11.
Tramway officials are awaiting the delivery of an electronic part to fix technical issues with the electrical system. But since the companies that can provide the part to the tram were closed over the weekend, the part could not be located until Monday.
Before it reopens, Tram engineers must order and receive the necessary device, which was described as a motor contractor that supplies power to the tram drive to the tram motor and is expected to cost between $10,000 and $20,000. The tram will remain closed for an indefinite period of time until then.
“Safety is our No. 1 concern,” said Greg Purdy, vice president of marketing for the tramway. “Whenever there is an issue, we err on the side of safety.”
The tram has been closed since Friday, Aug. 8, when the issue first surfaced. Since then, the thousands of people who reliably use the tram each weekend have been unable to make the trip. People who already purchased tickets should receive an email offering refunds or the ability to book again at a later date.
Splash House Palm Springs affected by Palm Springs Aerial Tramway closure
The closure also impacted a planned Splash House music festival event. The DJ BLOND:ISH had been scheduled to perform on the tram on Friday night, but that had to be canceled.
The technical issues arrive close to the time the tramway typically shuts down for about a month for its annual maintenance closure. Last year, the tram shut down from Sept. 9 through Oct. 6 so the maintenance team could perform complex tasks that could not be done during normal business hours.
Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway still closed even after problem diagnosed. Here’s why
Reporting by Sam Morgen, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
